Malaga - We had an early wake up for
the bus ride out to Granada.
The bus ride took us through beautiful countryside (much like
California mid-coastal) where they grow 26 species of olives, acres of trees
interspersed with farm houses, small towns. As it is Sunday, the towns were
quiet with stores closed and very little traffic. We saw some nice Gothic and
Moorish buildings in Granada along our route to the Alhambra. We had a good
guide who told us lots of history along the drive. The Alhambra is vast - it could
take several days to see it all. There are rich green gardens with a wide variety of plants.
We
entered past the Court of Charles V to the Alcazaba (Sultan's Palace).
Fabulous, stunning alabaster of gypsum carved work, high walls and ceilings with wood
(cedar) designs inlaid with ivory and precious stones (some completely restored
to their full glory) - traces of red and blue paints used on arches. We
toured the
Palace and serai, gardens and aqueducts - tall cypress, roses, feverfew,
gazanias - fountains, joyful sounds of water everywhere. An absolutely wondrous
place! We exited through Charles V Court Circle to lunch at a local restaurant,
Alaxares, then took the bus back to ship, siesta, dinner, cigar, Greek midnight buffet (bit of
baklava) and to bed.